Santa Elena, formerly known as Ilayang Santol, was then a sitio of barrio Pulonguit-guit,
Capalonga. In 1948, through the efforts of local leaders, it became an independent barrio. Santa Elena became a municipality with ten barangays out of Capalonga by virtue of Republic Act No. 5480 on June 21, 1969.
Territorial dispute Santa Elena and
Calauag in
Quezon province were involved in a decade-long boundary dispute, leading to a
Supreme Court case and presidential intervention. The dispute involved nine barangays: Don Tomas, Guitol, Kabuluan, Kagtalaba, Maulawin, Plaridel, Patag Ibaba, Patag Iraya, and Tabugon. In 1991, the Provincial Government of Quezon and Municipal Government of Calauag ordered the demolition of a boundary marker installed by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In 1995, President
Fidel V. Ramos intervened during his visit to Calauag, initially allowing Calauag to retain jurisdiction. However, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Camarines Norte, transferring these barangays from Calauag's jurisdiction. ==Geography==